SOL INVICTUS REVIEWS: Examiner gives 5/5 and SEVEN more reviews

Examiner.com has given Sol Invictus a 5/5 review under the headline “Time to introduce the kids to Faith No More (if you haven’t already)”. Reviewer David Musto says:

“Sol Invictus slides right into its slot as the next entry of their discography as though time means nothing. Usually after such a long time away, something lags and it’s often the singer’s voice that sounds different. Mike Patton has kept plenty busy, however, and maintained his astonishing range.”

Friends of the site mxdwn.com also give a glowing and detailed review which is well worth reading in its entirety. They say:

“The decrescendo of the bookend comes from the epic “Matador.” Diehard fans will remember this was the first new song the band did after reforming in 2009. This one aims for the darker, practically gothic end of rocking rather than an explosive release. The lines “We will rise from the killing floor / like a Matador,” and “Let the dead live / May the dead live,” further the theme of rebirth and embracing their place in music. Hudson again brings the shining moment with about sixteen bars of immaculate soloing to close out the epic track. And appropriately, that sentiment is wrapped up neatly with the plaintive and playful “From the Dead” that closes out the album.

A careful study would have expected Faith No More to mine the same wildly divergent ground they had in previous years. However, the band in their time apart has matured considerably, gaining faith most prominently, in themselves. Instead of challenging music as a whole, they instead challenge their own abilities and the expectations of their fans. And, they manage it while rocking a sly smile. The final line of “From the Dead” is literally “Welcome home my friend.” Welcome home indeed. And not a moment too soon.”

The San Diego-based site takes a slightly different tack than most reviews and is betetr for it. it is a very well-judged and considered review:

“Which is why Sol Invictus, their first album in 17 years, is such a surprise. There’s still an underlying fascination with the corrupted and morbid, and the sporadic dirty joke, but there’s also an unexpected responsibility attached as well. Not the sedentary kind of responsibility one associates with aging, but the kind of accountability one gets when they realize the world’s gotten three times as fucked up as they foretold. For better or worse, FNM have to provide solutions—or, failing that, which is inevitable, at least some really direct questions.”

I also really liked this segment:

“Black Friday” is another one of Patton’s logical extensions of hyper-consumerism—containing the wonderful phrase “the grandest frappé”—with him screaming “Buy it!” the way Michael Stipe intoned “Fire!” in R.E.M.’s “The One I Love.” “Motherfucker” is a rote, almost Jimmy Dean-like recitation of the crimes of swivel-chair imperialism that would be overdone if it wasn’t paced so nicely. It pairs well with the slaughterhouse revenge fantasy of “Matador.” Improbably wrapping up the whole thing is the outrageously shiny “From the Dead,” a sweet homecoming anthem that borrows a lot from, of all things, Supertramp’s “Give a Little Bit.” It’s hard to tell how sincere Patton’s being when he sings “Welcome home my friend,” but even if the release is death and not the folksy rebirth it implies, it works either way.”

“The man with one of the most striking voices in modern music. Once heard never forgotten and every time it makes an appearance on this album you are left in awe and wonder at the sheer versatility and power of it.

That’s not to say that Sol Invictus is just the “Mike Patton Show” indeed it is quite the opposite, as every musician gets the chance to shine and the album really does feel like a pure, collaborative process. It also feels like a band who simply couldn’t give a fuck about what people want or expect from them. There is a relaxed calmness about the feel to this album which not to say its a laid back (easy like a) Sunday morning affair, in fact it’s an album seeped in darkness and intensity but it does feel like the band are really enjoying themselves in the studio fully refreshed and comfortable in their own skins.”

““Sol Invictus,” the first new record from the hard rockers in 18 years, was released Monday. And while many middle-agers have lost some of the edge they had in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Faith No More has not.

Even in their late 40s and early 50s, the members of Faith No More rock harder than most of their alternative/indie/rock counterparts.

Subtlety has never been a trait of Faith No More, and there’s none on “Sol Invictus.” That was apparent when the record’s first single, with a four-syllable expletive title that isn’t printable here, was released a few months ago.”

Los Angeles LGBT site Frontiers Media include Sol Invictus in their albums round-up and add:

“Vocalist Mike Patton is an elegant screamer when warranted, and his bandmates—keyboardist Roddy Bottum, bassist Billy Gould, drummer Mike Bordin and whatever guitarist was then currently active (it’s been Jon Hudson since 1996)—have contributed to their musical sense of wanderlust. All this to say their return is welcome in a world of indie-electro and wan shoegaze and other “alt” genres that have long lost their luster. It also helps that their seventh record may also be their best.”

“Overall, Sol Invictus is a mediocre rock record. There are some decent, listenable tracks but nothing that comes close to meeting the excitement and enthusiasm for the band that nailed a generation’s angst with “Midlife Crisis.” Patton’s voice is strong and as capable today as ever of generating the same sort of passion, but there is something about the whole thing that still manages to feel dated. Keys are used mostly as a flatbed on which the band performs a very pedestrian routine. Even the intensely titled “Motherfucker” comes off feeling a little overly dramatic with its spoken-word delivery. As Patton sings, “Hello Motherfucker/ My lover/ You saw it coming,” one is left thinking: yes, I probably did.”

A palate cleanser from the metal zine and a 9.5/10 rating. They state:

“Featuring the same lineup from the last album, Album of the Year, it takes no time at all to realize that Sol Invictus is totally a FNM album, containing all of the energy, dynamic, whimsical delight, diversity and aggression one should expect in such a release, independent of the myriad bands and side-projects spawned in the band’s wake. Patton once again shows his complete prowess as a true A-lister vocalist, delivering only as he can – he, often imitated, but never replicated, as only the elite musicians in rock and roll can be.

With nary a dull moment, no shred of filler or unnecessary songs, Sol Invictus gets in and out in a seemingly fast forty minutes, spanning ten tracks. A nice length which lends itself to consecutive repeat listens, this is an album that feels so familiar, so right, and almost would justify another hiatus if a work of equal proportions were guaranteed…almost.

Recent Comments

E mayan { Was hoping to see it on Pitchfork's best music books of the year, but nope not there:( } – Dec 18, 4:52 AM

Benrun { Awesome work once again, it was certainly my favorite book of the year. I still haven't posted a review anywhere since I bought from an independent book store...I guess let me know if you would like me to write an Amazon review anyway. Looking forward to the podcast...for someone like me who has never even listened to any podcast that wasn't posted on your website, hopefully you could include some instructions of how to listen! Sorry if this is a stupid request. I hope the band has a future for several reasons, but a big one for me now that... } – Dec 11, 2:34 AM

admin { Thanks Ben. Great comment as always. Interesting on the song snippets. Will try to find out more. } – Dec 12, 8:53 AM

Benrun { Awesome! For the You Fat Bastards discussion: 1. Me and all my friends had never really heard Patton live at that point and all agreed, "He must have had a head cold or something" meaning he seemed extra nasal! 2. How much money, work, etc does it takes to get approval for song snippets like from NKOTB during WCAL? Did it make getting approval for live releases a nightmare for the record company? 3. What about the rumor that the song titles for The Grade and The Cowboy Song got mixed up...seems pretty probable to me. 4. Sorry no real... } – Dec 12, 3:19 AM

Benrun { As far as Chuck being boring on the early FNM, you have to keep in mind the post-punk influence. Bands were making careers in rock with fairly monotonous singers. I don't think he was boring anyway, but compared to Ian Curtis and John Lydon, he was fairly theatrical with his range and choices. Forgot to mention...there are interviews with Patton discussing his dislike for live albums in general, which is why he turned the Mondo Cane live material into studio songs instead of releasing them as is. Patton said that live show are for the people who decided to show... } – Dec 07, 2:27 AM

Benrun { Yes, it's a rare band where the frontman isn't the main draw for most of the fans. Patton elevates all the projects he's involved with. As much as I enjoyed Tetema for the music, Patton puts it over the edge as something I would enjoy coming back to again and again. Same thing with the Moonchild albums, Tomahawk. On Sol Invictus, it stands out on a song like Black Friday which wouldn't be something that would stand out to me, but you add in the over-the-top approach Patton took mixed with the classy background vocals, and then whoever put on... } – Dec 04, 4:44 AM

KingCol { I remember Patton saying that he couldn’t care less about live stuff getting released but that might of being referred to shows getting bootlegged etc .when did he deny any official fnm shows being released? As to the chuck versus mike preference for me (probably due to my age and first noticing the band) it’s with out a doubt Patton . Chuck in my opinion hasn’t much of a voice and is is some ways boring compared to Patton. Patton brought a whole new dimension and brought the band to a new level. Every album they did was different and... } – Dec 01, 7:24 PM

Benrun { Tyrell looks interesting...but I'm a little behind b/c I didn't see "Get Out" yet. Looks like a similar theme. Anyway, FNM for me has always been Bill, Puffy, and Roddy. I get that, but I wonder if Jon has been in on any of these get-togethers yet? He had some ideas he wanted to test out according to an interview back awhile ago, since he didn't get to include any ideas on Sol Invictus. I like his playing and hope that he gets some more work as a guitarist. I saw that Rocket Moth are working on a new album,... } – Nov 30, 3:58 AM

Benrun { This is me grasping at straws, but I notice Patton is growing his hair out long lately. Last time he did that was for the FNM reunion in 2009. In the meantime, new Talking Book, Imperial Teen, and Tomahawk are taking FOREVER. Favorite albums of 2018 are Usssy Voyages and Daughters You Won't Get What You Want. Patton's 1922, CAF's Ellipse, and Belly's Dove close behind. Overall, not a tremendous year for music. I was mostly hoping for Chuck's Mosley's solo release; hopefully it will see the light of day. } – Nov 25, 9:17 PM

Benrun { I liked Primal Scream's "Kowalsi" that was on the Doc Martin's sampler with FNM's song. I was collecting everything FNM at the time and got that, the Primal Scream song was the 2nd best on there. Plus Vanishing Point was one of my dad's favorite movies b/c of the Dodge Challenger in it. Anything else of there's I should check out? } – Nov 18, 9:44 PM

KIngCol { Ah faith no man seen them more as much as “the real thing” (the actual band) I saw a good primal scream documentary on bbc - “the lost tapes” ... very similar thought process music production wise. They brought out a hit crowd pleaser album and their instinct was to follow it up with something totally different.. it wasn’t released unfortunately because record label wanted a similar sounding follow up album . Thank fcuk fnm were not restricted like this or angel dust as a follow up would never have seen the light of day } – Nov 17, 10:06 PM

Benrun { Just curious...what band ever did what FNM did? Took a keyboard player that was by all accounts a personality, not a singer...and everyone in the room new that, certainly the journalists and the singer and band themselves...and tried to make that work? And got signed to record deals TWICE while doing it? I don't mean bands with bad singers...I mean bands with someone who didn't even really want to sing. A guy who also come out dressed as Liberace? It seems you would need to feel like your voice unarguably good to try some of the stuff Chuck did. A... } – Nov 13, 4:15 AM

Benrun { Good interview. I like when the person interviewing actually does some homework! I also always appreciate whenever Adrian informs others that "Introduce Yourself" is in fact (along with AD & KFAD) in the argument for best FNM album! } – Nov 13, 3:58 AM

Robert Young { I was fortunate enough to be at that show it was absolutely fantastic, hilarious, over the top, unbelievable, totally fucking radical a perfect Halloween prank. Probably never see anything as good as that again. The reason nobody was arrested is because they had sacks over their heads they couldn't identify any of them only by their cocks but no faces so they couldn't link to the two that's what happened. } – Oct 28, 1:19 PM

Benrun { Marvin...I took it the same way you did. The band members did get together, but that means, who knows. Even if more FNM music being released is fantasy, it was a positive way to end the book and made me happy. } – Oct 11, 12:07 AM

Marvin { Truly a great book. Bought it two weeks ago from Amazon, read it over the course of last week... For an FNM fan (which you probably are if you read those lines), that a no-brainer, go fort it! I learned a lot reading this book, and more importantly it filled some gaps in my overall knowledge of the band. I knew some things happened, I knew that personnal conflicts occurred, but I had never quite understood all of it. I must give credits to the book: it unveils and explains it all, and everything makes sense. About the last paragraph...... } – Oct 10, 8:34 AM

KingCol { Wow-wee Adrian .... €18 is a very reasonable price . My copy of the book just arrived - the coffee and decadence reference is a wonderful opener . So as the lyric goes “Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a handshake” .. } – Oct 09, 3:45 PM

Bobby B Better { Adrian, Congratulations on the book. I picked up a copy here in the US today...looking forward to reading it! } – Oct 06, 4:04 AM

Benrun { Excellent updates. Roddy Bottum also had a blink and you will miss it cameo as a DJ in the film Ruby Sparks. I nearly shit myself when I saw him for that 1/2 second...I had to go back and make sure. It's an awesome movie too! } – Oct 11, 12:04 AM

E mayan { Thanks Adrian! A fantastic piece of work. Loved it, absolutely fascinating. A band like this really deserve such a bio. Quotes from Patton that aren't just rehashed from earlier articles would've been nice, although can't really be a criticism if he didn't want to be interviewed. Way to not leave out Beavis & Butthead's commentary on "Digging the Grave." So glad Trey Spruance got his say in there, although an explanation about why the end of "The Last to Know" is so lame would've helped:) } – Oct 03, 12:55 AM

Benrun { I will add...2 things that blew my mind as a fan who thought I knew everything...Roddy's connection to Wall Drug (yes I've stopped at that roadside tourist trap wondering what I was doing there), and that Billy is a lefty! I knew Puffy was, but Billy too? Something that may seem insignificant, but maybe that's why that FNM sound is so freaking different...the left handed rhythm section. } – Sep 27, 11:36 AM

Benrun { The book is truly a great read and does the band / subject matter justice. It was probably my favorite part of my trip to New Zealand / Australia. I'm back in the states now and finished the book in just a few days after picking it up. I will write a proper review wherever I can...I bought from a small stand-alone bookshop in Winter Park, FL, USA so not sure if I can post reviews elsewhere. Thank you for all your hard work and time Adrian & family! The part I loved the most...the last paragraph. } – Sep 22, 2:08 AM

Benrun { This is very exciting. I've never heard of a book release being moved up before! I read that it was due to demand, which is awesome. Any chance that it may be available earlier in the states? Probably not...by the way, you list more book sellers above than I think even still exist in America. Can't wait to read it! } – Aug 28, 1:49 AM

Benrun { Congratulations on some great interviews...I really can't wait to get my copy. When you wrote "band news" I got really excited, but it is just band member news. If FNM is done, that is okay...but I hope it means that Billy, Puffy, and Jon will give Castro Sinatra another try. And I'd rather they just get on with it instead of an indefinite waiting game on Patton & Roddy to decide to do FNM again. } – Aug 24, 1:12 AM

Benrun { Glad to see Imperial Teen are in the studio. However, it feels safe to say that Faith No More is likely finished. All the FNM nostalgia on the facebook pages is kind of nauseating. I don't like living in the past. Remember when this happened....that was cool. Remember when that happened...that was cool too. I'm looking forward to the book next month, but I'm looking forward to the insight, not the nostalgia. } – Aug 09, 3:55 AM

Benrun { Midlife Crisis winning the FNM World Cup is very appropriate to me...that is my favorite song ever and the best FNM song. The Real Thing, KFAD being amongst the best fit too. } – Jul 07, 5:28 AM

KingCol { @benrum - Pre-order confirmation ... I'm really looking forward to this book .. iv been listening to a lot of fnm lately - matador has really impressed me , up there as one of their best songs I'd say. Great to see such an impressive song especially after being apart so long , to be honest I wasn't expecting much from the album considering the gap of time apart and their age etc but they showed that they can still work together and release descent new material. } – Jun 20, 9:51 PM

Benrun { I had struck up a friendship with Chuck Mosley who gave me his backstage pass (cause does he really need to wear one to go backstage?). I talked to Jon outside before going back for about 10 minutes...talked about his work with Systems Collapse that I had heard online, his inability to follow through with the interview he had agreed to do for FNM Blog because it would have given away Sol Invictus which was a secret at the time. Then backstage I only exchanged a few words with Puffy (he was exhausted), but Patton and I talked for about... } – Jun 17, 1:22 PM